Abstract [en]

Background: Infertility is when a man and a woman for at least twelve months of regular unprotected intercourse fails to conceive a planned pregnancy. Infertility is a common issue affecting ten to fifteen percent of all couples.

Aim: The aim was to describe men and women's experiences of involuntary childlessness caused by infertility, and to describe the selected articles study groups.

Method: A literature study. Data was collected from the databases CINAHL, PubMed and PsycINFO. 14 qualitative scientific articles form the basis of this study.

Result: Infertile men and women experienced many different emotions caused by their involuntary childlessness. They often experienced a change in their relationship, both in communication and intimacy with their partner. Infertile men and women often had a greater need for support from their partner, people in their surroundings and healthcare professionals. To be able to handle their situation and move on in life, it was important for infertile people to use coping strategies and find other meaningful things in life.

Conclusion: Involuntary childlessness caused by infertility affected the men and women both individually as well as a couple. It was common to experience a life crisis associated with infertility, which was expressed in many ways. Based on the present literature study, nurses need to gain understanding and knowledge of the experiences infertile men and women can witness because of their involuntarily childlessness, to be able to better cherish and support these people in the best possible way.